Holland America Line is taking its cuisine beyond the plate and further innovating its award-winning dining experience by launching a new, Australian fresh fish program. Fresh Tasmanian Atlantic salmon will be served on board voyages through Australia and New Zealand, accompanied by a selection of other premium fish options, including Murray cod, flathead, Tasmanian ocean trout, and barramundi. The pioneering initiative engages a global network of 60 ports to source and serve 80 types of fresh fish on board, going from port to plate in less than 48 hours.
After becoming the first cruise line to serve 100% fresh, certified sustainable Alaska seafood on board its ships in Alaska, Holland America Line is now taking fresh fish worldwide. Under the new program, the cruise line will offer guests fresh fish and ingredients native to various regions, yielding destination-inspired menus and local specialties that tell the story of each itinerary through cuisine. Under this exciting new program, guests will have the opportunity to savour fresh fish and ingredients indigenous to various regions, creating destination-inspired menus and local specialities that showcase the flavours of Australia and beyond.
“We know fresh fish is part of our guests’ daily lifestyle, and when they come on board, we are excited to expand their options beyond what they have access to at home,” said Ryan Taibel, Vice President of Sales and Partnerships, Holland America Line. “The ability to source and prepare so many types of fish globally is a testament to our outstanding culinary team. From yellowtail snapper in the Caribbean to several species caught fresh and supplied by local fish mongers right here in Australia, the variety of fresh fish we offer is unrivalled in the cruise industry.”
The program also includes daily fresh fish specials and an expansion of the cruise line’s popular “Savour My Catch” excursion, allowing guests to catch fish themselves, which is then expertly prepared and served by onboard chefs. Renowned Chef Masaharu Morimoto will play a central role as Holland America Line’s “Fresh Fish Ambassador”. Chef Morimoto will bring his signature style to curated dishes available in the ships’ Dining Rooms starting this Spring, along with a new pop-up restaurant accessible fleetwide by early 2024.
“Embarking on this type of culinary journey at sea is a first for me, and I am excited to bring my passion for fresh fish and fresh ingredients onto Holland America Line’s fleet,” said Chef Morimoto. “I chose to partner with Holland America Line because we share a commitment and passion for fresh and regionally inspired foods, and you will see that come to life in the special dishes and pop-up experience we’ve created together.”
Chef Morimoto’s creations are being crafted for the cruise line’s main Dining Room menus starting this week and will be available for a supplemental charge fleetwide by early October. Menu additions include “Fresh Black Cod Yuzu,” “Morimoto Epice Lobster Tails” and “Fresh Halibut XO.”
“We are thrilled to collaborate with Chef Morimoto, the foremost expert in this niche,” said Michael Stendebach, Vice President of Food and Beverage at Holland America Line. “We share a commitment to serving the freshest ingredients, fish and seafood, in particular. We are excited to have his refined skills and celebrate his culinary style on board. Chef Morimoto brings his mastery and excellence to Holland America Line and is a great partner to bring this port-to-plate program to life.”
Recognised for its captivating cruise routes and top-notch service, Holland America Line welcomes over 3 million Australian passengers annually on voyages to Australia, New Zealand, Europe, and Alaska. Noordam is set to resume its homeport operations in Sydney on November 12, embarking on a series of exciting cruises between Australia and New Zealand. Offering an ideal mid-sized ship experience, Holland America Line’s fleet visits nearly 400 ports in 114 countries around the world and has shared the thrill of Alaska for over 75 years — longer than any other cruise line.
‘Morimoto by Sea’ Pop-Up to be Featured on Every Ship
Beginning in November, Holland America Line guests can indulge in a full Chef Morimoto experience with an exclusive pop-up restaurant: “Morimoto by Sea.” The restaurant and its menu of artfully presented dishes and beverages will take over the Pinnacle Grill at least once per cruise. Offered to guests for a $55 cover charge, the experience will include a multi-course menu, along with vegetarian and vegan selections.
An evening at “Morimoto by Sea” is a three-course dinner that celebrates the fresh fish program with inspired cuisine for a broad range of palates. “Morimoto by Sea” also showcases Chef Morimoto’s exclusive alcoholic beverages including Morimoto Brut Rose and Sake Junmai Morimoto that complement his fresh dishes. The pop-up restaurant will be open fleetwide by early 2024.
Chef Morimoto Dining Room Dishes (Starting in late September with the remainder of the fleet rollout in October):
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Fresh Black Cod Yuzu with yoghurt miso pickle vegetables, kimchi eggplant, fried rice and garlic soy
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Morimoto Epice Lobster Tails with lemon foam, seasonal vegetables and Morimoto Epice
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Fresh Halibut XO with Asian vegetables, dried shrimp and scallop XO sauce
Sample “Morimoto by Sea” Pop-Up Menu:
Appetisers:
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Sushi Plate with Nigiri Salmon, Hamachi, Hotate, Unagi, Maki Roll, Ebi Tempura, Dungeness California, Salmon Shikai Maki. Vegetarian available upon request.
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Morimoto Fresh Tuna Pizza with anchovy aioli, kalamata olive, red onion, jalapeno
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Tempura Calamari Salad quinoa two ways, white miso dressing. Can be served without calamari on request.
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Pork Gyoza Dumpling with ginger, scallion sauce
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Tori Paitan Ramen Noodles Soup with soy egg, bamboo shoot, hot creamy broth poured at the table
Main Courses:
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Ishiyaki Buri Bop with fresh Pacific yellowtail on rice, cooked tableside in a hot stone
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Crispy Fried Whole Market Fresh Fish with sweet spicy chilli sauce, pickle vegetables
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Shrimp Three Way “Morimoto Style” with Tempura, Panko, Rock style, Tartar sauce, Tonkatsu
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Angry Lobster Pad Thai with Maine lobster, rice noodles, Thai red curry sauce
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Broiled Beef Tenderloin, Sweet onion garlic jus with sauteed Asian mushroom
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Jidori Chicken Teriyaki, Chicken Oyster Yakitori with Shichimi togarashi
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Japanese Vegetables Curry with tofu steak, seasonal vegetables
Desserts:
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Dark Chocolate Sphere with ganache, marshmallow, hot chocolate sauce
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Tofu Cheesecake with mango passion, pineapple salsa
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White Chocolate Lime Ganache with coconut foam, mango sorbet, rice pudding
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Sorbet Trio with Chef’s seasonal selection
Alcoholic Beverages (by bottle & glass):
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Morimoto Brut Rose
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Morimoto Grgich Hills Chardonnay
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Morimoto Grgich Hills Cabernet Sauvignon
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Sake Junmai Morimoto
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Sake Junmai Ginjo Morimoto
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Sake Junmai Daiginjo Morimoto
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Sake Sparkling Nigori
For more information about Holland America Line, consult a travel advisor, call 1300 987 322 or visit hollandamerica.com.
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